Prominent Islamic Cleric Abducted by Gunmen in Ondo

A well-known Islamic cleric, Ibrahim Bodunde Oyinlade, has been forcefully taken captive by suspected gunmen.

Mr. Oyinlade, who serves as the Chief Imam of the Uso Community, was abducted on Saturday evening and transported into the bush by a group of armed individuals.

According to sources, the Islamic cleric was kidnapped from his farm at Asolo camp by approximately four armed men who ambushed him at gunpoint.

One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed, “He was on his farm at Asolo camp when the armed men pounced on him at gunpoint and whisked him away.”

At the time of the report, it was unclear whether the abductors had contacted the family for potential negotiations regarding his release.

Local hunters have taken it upon themselves to comb the surrounding bushes in an effort to locate and rescue the cleric.

Additionally, other Islamic clerics at the mosque have initiated spiritual interventions, praying for the safe and swift release of the victim.

When contacted, the police spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the abduction of the 67-year-old Islamic cleric on Saturday night.

Mrs. Odunlami-Omisanya disclosed that the incident had been reported at the Divisional Police headquarters in the Uso community that same evening.

She stated, “At about 6 pm today (Saturday), a report was made at Uso Divisional headquarters that the Chief Imam of Us went to his farm in the morning and did not return.

“He was later traced to the farm by his people, where they found his phone and vehicle intact, but he was nowhere to be found.”

The Divisional Police Officer in charge, accompanied by his officers and local vigilantes, has ventured into the forest to search for the missing cleric.